Latest developments
- Paris Saint-Germain want to sign Aston Villa's Jhon Duran.
- Randal Kolo-Muani would go the other way in a swap deal.
- Duran has a higher market value than Kolo Muani.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2.5/5): In line with other PSG rumours
Aston Villa's Jhon Duran has emerged as a surprise target for PSG, who want to sign him in January as part of a deal which would see Randal Kolo Muani head to Villa Park.
This story broke on teamtalk.com, who have not shed light on their sources, yet PSG were rumoured to want to swap the Frenchman for Chelsea's Christopher Nkunku earlier this month, suggesting this is an avenue they are exploring.
Value (4/5): Duran worth more
From a PSG perspective, this swap deal would be great value for money, as Duran has a market value of £33.2 million, compared to Kolo Muani's £24.9 million.
Not only that, Duran has been one of the standout players in the Premier League this campaign with 12 goals across all competitions, compared to a measly two for Kolo Muani. Villa would be wise to demand Kolo Muani plus a fee for Duran.
Suitability (4/5): He can carry form into Ligue 1
The Colombian's goalscoring form has helped him take the place of Ollie Watkins up front at Villa Park. That is a development which was almost unimaginable at the start of the season, after Watkins' tremendous 2023/24 haul got the Villans into the Champions League.
With Duran also averaging a goal every other game in club football's greatest competition, there is every suggestion that he will have no issue cutting it in at a huge club – especially one dominating a league that has gained a reputation for being a one-horse race over the past decade.
Upgrade? (4/5): PSG have real CF problems
While Kolo Muani has been struggling, PSG's other centre-forward, Goncalo Ramos, has not been faring much better, scoring four times in all competitions this season.
It is little wonder, then, that PSG have identified the 21-year-old as their ideal starter under Luis Enrique.
Logic (1/5): Villa value Duran much higher
Villa are said to value Duran at £80 million, so unless PSG send Kolo Muani with £55 million in a suitcase, this is unlikely to attract them.
Even if his head isn't turned by a potential Man Utd move, Kolo Muani would likely be put off by the knowledge that he'd be a mere understudy to Watkins. Meanwhile, Duran is unlikely to want a move, having worked hard to become Unai Emery's first-choice striker.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
Offloading a player surplus to requirements for a breakout star sounds too good to be true for PSG, and that's because it is! This move makes zero sense for Villa, and very little for either player involved.
